Under-16 Social Media Controls Under Review in SL
The Sri Lankan Government is considering measures to regulate social media use among children under the age of 16, with discussions underway on the possibility of restricting or limiting access in an effort to address growing concerns about digital safety, mental health and child wellbeing.Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has initiated preliminary discussions involving several institutions to gather views and recommendations from relevant stakeholders regarding the regulation of social media use by children under 16.According to the Prime Minister, extensive discussions have already taken place on the social, psychological and health impacts associated with children's use of social media, as well as issues relating to digital safety and international experiences in addressing the challenge.She said one of the key proposals under consideration is the development of a national set of guidelines aimed at reducing social media usage among children under the age of 16.Another proposal focuses on launching a nationwide awareness campaign based on the concept of "brain health" to promote and protect the mental wellbeing of young people.Dr. Amarasuriya noted that the Government intends to obtain expert advice on social media use and digital health, with plans to appoint a specialist committee to study the issue in greater depth. She added that the initiative is being supported by UNICEF as authorities seek to identify the most suitable course of action for Sri Lanka's unique social and cultural context.She further revealed that the Government plans to finalize its recommendations and submit them to the Cabinet for consideration before the end of the year.The move comes amid growing global concerns about the impact of social media on children and adolescents, with several countries introducing or considering age-based restrictions and safeguards to address issues ranging from online safety and cyberbullying to mental health and excessive screen time.
